Sometimes when kids have an infection from a virus (usually a cold or a stomach virus), they can also get a viral rash. A viral rash may be itchy, but usually it's not painful. The viral rash can happen while the child has symptoms of a viral illness (such as fever, cold symptoms, headache, diarrhea, sore throat, or body aches) or after the symptoms of the viral illness are better.

A viral rash doesn't need any treatment and usually goes away within a few days. You can help your child feel comfortable until the rash goes away.

• Follow your health care provider's recommendations for giving any medicines or using any lotions for itching. 
• If your child has a fever from the virus, and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. 
• Do not give your child or teen aspirin as it has been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Bathe your child in warm (not hot) water since hot water may make the rash worse or cause itching.
• Viral infections are contagious. To help prevent the spread of the virus your child should: 
  • Wash their hands well and often. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, they can use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing, or after having a bowel movement. 
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash their hands. If a tissue is not available, they should cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or inner elbow, not their hand.
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils, straws, or drinking glasses.

Your child:

• Gets new or worsening symptoms
• Has a new or higher fever
• Has a fever that lasts more than 2 days after the office visit
• Still has a rash after a few weeks

What do viral rashes look like? Viral rashes can look red and flat, raised, or bumpy. Some viral rashes have blisters. The rash can cover large parts of the body or just be in one or a few areas. Many different viruses can cause viral rashes that look similar. Your health care provider might not be able to tell the exact virus causing a rash. This is OK because treatment is the same.

How long does a viral rash last? Most viral rashes go away within a few days. Sometimes the rash lasts longer and takes 2–3 weeks to clear up. Antibiotics do not treat viruses or viral rashes and will not help a viral rash go away.